The Monster in the Lake

A collection of ducks set out on an adventure to the lake, albeit with Eric reluctantly tagging along. He is convinced there is a monster in the lake and his fears are not allayed by the rambunctious responses of his fellow ducks. They don’t believe these stories of monsters and dismiss their friend’s concerns.

As they set out across the lake however, it becomes apparent, though only to Eric and the reader, that in fact they should have heeded the warnings! A monster does indeed lurk beneath the waters and Eric is quickly carried off to meet it. What is perhaps refreshing and intriguing in equal measure is that this ‘monster’ does not appear to have ill intent at heart, and Eric’s encounter opens his eyes to a whole other world.

When he finally reappears on the surface, unscathed and perhaps enlightened by his experience, he decides to pursue the preferred ‘myth’ at the start of the story – that in fact there is no monster in the lake at all.

For the youngest of readers The monster in the lake offers the opportunity to explore fears and encourage experimentation with new experiences… but critically it also offers lots of repetition in text, providing opportunities for children to join in with repeated refrains. There is so much to be gained too from the sense that a small child is sharing in Eric’s hidden experience, involved in a world unseen by the other characters. This, arguably, is where the magic of storytelling and becoming a lifelong reader is held, and to offer this experience in such a humorous and engaging manner is a real triumph. Beyond the very young, the title could be considered just as valuable with an older audience where themes such as trust, listening to the concerns of those around you and perception could all be explored in valuable book talk. Perhaps even the notion of how we cast certain individuals or characters as monsters and the impact of this depiction could make for valuable debate.

A wonderful picture book offering an original take on the notion of the monsters that lurk beneath, this is a title to treasure.